State of the State Addresses Kick Off

“So let’s put our kids first again and provide the certainty they and our schools need. Let’s address the Aggregate Expenditure Limit to make sure schools stay open … Let’s pass a Prop 123 extension to fund our schools without raising taxes.”

Gov. Hobbs elevated education as a top priority for the state and the importance that young Arizonans are supported. She called for further investments in child care and housing to improve the lives of young people. More specifically, Hobbs plans to renew prop 123 — passed in 2016 and set to expire — which provides critical funding to public schools and teachers without raising taxes. She noted she will also address aggregate expenditure limits to ensure schools in Arizona remain open. 

Gov. Hobbs shared her frustration with current ESA programs that are not held accountable and as a result cost taxpayers $1 billion annually. She plans to implement guardrails, including income caps and further transparency, to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse. Additionally, Governor Hobbs plans to invest in smaller class sizes and adequate classroom tools so that Arizona can preserve their high quality education as a key to opportunity, security, and freedom.

Go deeper:

Arizona’s ‘universal’ education savings account program has become a handout to the wealthy [Brookings Institute]

Do ESA awards benefit students from wealthier areas of Arizona? [ABC15]

Negotiations are underway at the Arizona Capitol to renew school funding boost [KJZZ Phoenix]

“We have a responsibility to guarantee every Colorado student has access to a quality education. This requires creating innovative pathways for students and schools to succeed; no excuses, no exceptions.”

Gov. Polis’ speech focused on the state’s dedication to creating effective systems across the education spectrum, from early childhood and K-12 to higher education and workforce readiness The governor also highlighted his work as the Chair of the National Governors Association, which focuses on ensuring learners develop the skills and talents necessary to be successful in today and tomorrow’s job market.

Gov. Polis celebrated the state’s commitment to early childhood education through the Universal Preschool Program, which saved its first class of families an average of $6,100 and boosted the state to 7th in the nation for preschool enrollment. Additionally, the governor highlighted the economic benefits of UPK, sharing that parents who enroll their kids in universal preschool earn 20% more on average than parents without access to universal preschool.

Gov. Polis also highlighted recent state efforts to improve the school finance formula to focus on “students rather than systems,” and better support schools that serve English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged students. 

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of supporting innovative educational experiences for students across the state to increase academic achievement. He expressed concerns about “education deserts,” where more than 90% of students are below grade level in reading and math, and called for more to be done to make high achievement the norm for district schools, innovative schools, and charter schools alike.

Go deeper:

Here’s how Colorado’s doing in bid to meet key early childhood goals [Chalkbeat Colorado]

Gov. Polis’ seventh State of the State address [Colorado Sun]

Governor’s Office Submits Supplemental and Budget Amendment Requests to JBC [Colorado.gov]

“Our debt-free community college program makes access easier, but innovation is overdue. We must develop a balance between traditional classroom experience, and more dual enrollment, stackable credentials, and flexible, online classes.”

Gov. Lamont spoke to his state plan focusing on affordability, workforce development, and student mental health. He pledges budget increases in the K-12 funding formula, facilitating parental control over media access, and expanding apprenticeship and internship programs. Additionally, the governor called for slowing tuition increases at Connecticut’s higher education institutions.

Gov. Lamont highlighted the state’s investment in K-12 and higher education. He celebrated the state’s effort in supporting student wellbeing with increases in the number of counselors in schools, and robust attendance interventions. 

Go deeper:

CT sees improvements in math, science, chronic absenteeism rate [CT Mirror]

Mixed Reviews for CT Gov. Ned Lamont’s State of the State speech [CT Insider]

“Adequately funding public schools is both our constitutional and our moral obligation, and we will not abandon that obligation.”

Gov. Little highlighted the significant increase (80%) in state education funding since taking office and the robust, continuing support for charter schools in the state. 

The governor’s state plan includes investments of more than $150 million in K-12 public schools to address gaps in rural school facilities, mental health, school safety, and literacy.

He referenced the importance of school choice options for families alongside accountability. He promised increased funding for choice programs and specifically for students with disabilities. 

Go deeper:

Special education departments face parent complaints, staff shortages and budget gaps [ID ED News]

Critchfield echoes governor on private school choice: Spending must be accountable [ID ED News]

Gov. Little’s ‘Keeping Promises’ plan aims to keep Idaho strong [KTVB 7]

“If you’re like me, every legislative session begins with a strong sense of anticipation. After all, our positions of public trust mean we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Iowans. And that starts with making sure every child has access to a quality education.”

Education was a key focus during Gov. Reynolds’ 2025 Condition of the State address. Childcare is a top priority, with a number of different initiatives announced. Gov. Reynolds called for the permanent implementation of the Child Care Assistance Pilot Program, which provides free childcare to childcare workers. To support this initiative, Iowa will launch a statewide solutions fund to which individuals or businesses can donate to enhance wages in the childcare workforce. Gov. Reynolds also announced the establishment of an Early Childhood “Continuum of Care” program that will provide three-year grants for preschool programs and childcare providers that integrate their services.

Following last year’s investments to improve reading proficiency, Gov. Reynolds announced a new priority: improving math foundational skills. Her proposed bill would address early identification and targeted support for struggling learners while strengthening math instruction by equipping teachers with professional development and training.

Additionally, Gov. Reynolds referenced the challenge of cell phone usage in schools and proposed legislation to “keep instructional time free from digital distractions.”

Go deeper:

Gov. Kim Reynolds says she plans to propose a bill banning cellphones in Iowa classrooms [Des Moines Register]

Reynolds awards $14M in grants to expand child care options [QCBJ]

Iowa student proficiency rises in English, shows no ‘meaningful progress’ in math [Iowa Capital Dispatch]

“Prioritizing our public schools means investing in them. Protecting them. Always fighting to make them better. And never, ever taking taxpayer dollars from our public schools to give to private schools.”

In her State of the State address this week, Gov. Kelly announced several key priorities for education in Kansas. She began with childcare, proposing her goal to create more childcare added capacity in the next two years than in the past 15 years. She also announced the creation of the Office of Early Childhood, consolidating multiple offices across four agencies into one office to improve efficiency. 

Gov. Kelly also spoke about the public school system, where she stated her strong opposition to diverting taxpayer dollars from public schools to private schools and rejected any proposed tax cuts that would reduce school funding. Additionally, she praised last year’s Blueprint for Literacy initiative, a program ensuring teachers have the training and the tools they need to bring 90 percent of students to the reading benchmark by 2033.

She also addressed school nutrition, announcing that this year’s budget proposal will provide free school lunches to over 35,000 Kansas students, many of them in rural areas. 

Additionally, Gov. Kelly shared the goal for all Kansas students to have access to apprenticeships, internships, earn industry certifications, and 2- and 4-year degrees to strengthen Kansas’ economy and bolster partnership with the business community.

Go deeper:

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly presents new state budget to Republican-led House, Senate [Kansas Reflector]

Water, education, child care: Kansas governor focuses on the future in state address [KCUR]

Emerging blueprint spells out details of Kansas initiative to improve literacy instruction [Kansas Reflector]

“With so many new job opportunities, we must make sure all of our children are getting the very best education. We all want a New Kentucky Home where our kids and grandkids never feel they have to leave, because every opportunity is right here.”

Gov. Beshear celebrated the many achievements for Kentuckians and the ways the state is leading the nation, including in increasing new jobs and bringing in private sector investment. 

For education, Gov. Beshear reiterated his desire to bring Universal Pre-K to all four year olds in Kentucky. He called for the state to put the voucher debate behind them, as the proposed amendment failed in every county. He also highlighted the strength of Kentucky’s career and technical education (CTE) programs and the opportunities to expand and further connect private employers to support those efforts. 

Go deeper:

State Sen. Carroll introduces bill investing in pre-K [Spectrum News]

‘New Kentucky Home’ | Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear gives 2025 State of the Commonwealth address [WHAS 11]

Gov. Beshear Secures Another Record-Breaking Year for Economic Growth [KY.gov]

Shelby County to get $700M battery facility, largest project in county history [Courier Journal]

“We have the best schools in the country, it’s a core value and also one of our competitive advantages. So I am committed, and I believe we all must be committed, to excellence for every student. We’re number one in education and we are going to stay that way”

Gov. Maura Healey highlighted K-12 education and child care as key priorities for her administration in the coming year. This includes her administration’s increase of the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit to $440 and made cursory mentions of both free breakfast and lunch for all students in Massachusetts schools and free community college, though she did not return to the topics later in the speech.

Gov. Healey about the ballot initiative passed in November 2024 that removed Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) passage from the state’s high school graduation requirements, saying that she respected the decision of voters but the removal of the requirement creates an opportunity and responsibility to ensure that every student graduates set up for success. She announced a new statewide Graduation Requirements Council that will develop recommendations for high school graduation in Massachusetts.

Gov. Healey detailed the story of Harris, a Massachusetts high school graduate who participated in one of Massachusetts’ Innovation Career Pathways programs, allowing him to gain early exposure to computer science and workforce opportunities. Remarking that “high school is not what it used to be, nor should it be,” Gov. Healey lauded the Innovation Career Pathways, saying that new high school standards would be tied to opportunities like early college and job training programs.

Gov. Healey also spoke about student mental health, noting that Massachusetts has opened 31 community behavioral health centers across the state providing 24 hour care that have helped 30,000 young people so far. She said she wanted to ensure that Massachusetts is funding behavioral health support and growing that support in schools across the state.

• Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit [Mass.gov]
• Mass. Question 2 result: MCAS exam no longer required for diplomas [Axios Boston]
• Innovation Career Pathways – College, Career and Technical Education [MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education]

“We protect kids from tobacco, alcohol, tattoos under certain ages, and even restrict the age when kids can work—there’s no reason why we should not protect their mental health from the damage caused by social media, too.”

Governor Jim Pillen outlined the state’s key priorities for education this upcoming year, including a focus on updating the school funding formula and better protecting students from the dangers of social media.

Gov. Pillen criticized the state’s current school finance formula, which provided state aid to only 60 school districts in 2024, compared to 226 school districts 25 years ago. He announced that he will establish a commission of experts to recommend a new school funding model, and called on the state legislature to take action. In combination with the new formula, Gov. Pillen celebrated the introduction of a bill to increase foundational aid per student across the state.

Gov. Pillen also expressed the state’s focus on protecting kids from the harmful effects of social media and online bullying. He celebrated the introduction of a package of bills focused on protecting children from the harms of social media, banning cell phones in classrooms, and fixing child pornography laws to include AI-generated images.

Go deeper:

Gov. Pillen proposes his answer to $432 million projected budget shortfall [Nebraska Examiner]

“They asked us to step up….to reempower teachers…. and to give students the reinforcement they needed to grow academically while also learning the value of respect and responsibility.”

Gov. Lombardo outlined a comprehensive plan to advance education reform in Nevada, focusing on making schools safer, more accessible, and better equipped to prepare students for success. Following a historic investment of over $2 billion in public education during the previous budget cycle, Lombardo is now prioritizing implementation strategies to ensure students — especially those learning English, at-risk, and exceptional talents — graduate with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to thrive.

Statewide school choice is a top priority and Gov. Lombardo emphasized his commitment to improving transportation networks, removing barriers that prevent students from attending schools beyond their neighborhoods, and reforming charter school enrollment policies. Aligned with the state’s goals to empower parents, increase school accountability, and provide more options for families.

To strengthen the teaching workforce, Lombardo proposed initiatives to support professional growth and improve compensation. He plans to pass an executive budget that will make teacher pay raises permanent and provide pay raises to all charter school teachers. Additionally, the newly established Excellence in Education Fund will reward Nevada’s top-performing teachers and administrators, recognizing their contributions to student success. 

The state is also supporting the students most in need with additional supports for English Language Learners and marginalized groups by allocating increased state funding to address their unique needs. He also identified early literacy as a critical area for improvement, describing it as a significant barrier to long-term student achievement. Additionally, Gov. Lombardo cited his previous commitments to state-funded pre-k and his plans to dedicate targeted resources to tackle literacy inequities across Nevada.

Go deeper:

OPINION: Nevada must double literacy rates by 2030 [The Nevada Independent]

Extra funding to boost CCSD teacher pay raises approved [The Nevada News]

What are school vouchers and should they be expanded in Nevada? [NPR]

“But when talking about the future of our families we must always prioritize our most precious asset of all: our children. After all, if you want to measure the worth of a society look to how it cares for its kids.”

New Jersey’s investments in education, most recently including a fully state-funded school funding formula, took center stage at Governor Murphy’s address. He also highlighted the state’s historic investments in college scholarships and Strategic Innovation Centers at higher education institutions, university hubs that connect students, industry leaders, and innovators to continue modernizing technology.

He celebrated New Jersey’s successes in expanding Universal Pre-K, pledging to continue expanding full day kindergarten to meet the needs of every NJ community. His administration is also intending to continue the success of phone bans by enacting legislation that directs districts to adopt phone-free classroom policies. 

Go deeper:

Parents react to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s plan to ban cellphones from classrooms [CBS News] 

Rutgers-Newark and Fiserv Celebrate Opening of Inclusive Innovation Hub to Drive Diversity in Fintech Industry [Rutgers Newark]

Murphy wants to require free, full-day kindergarten in New Jersey [NorthJersey.com]

“We can’t talk about the future without talking about education. It is the great equalizer unlocking opportunity for all.”

In her address, Gov. Hochul emphasized the importance of education funding at all levels, ranging from cradle to higher education. She expressed that in order to fully invest in our citizens, we have to invest in universal childcare to ease the lives of new parents and set children up for success. Gov. Hochul plans to budget $110 million towards building new and renovating existing child care centers. 

On the K-12 side, Gov. Hochul called for every child to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. To demonstrate the gravity of those savings, she walked through a prospective calculation for a family with two young children and illustrated that her proposition will save families $1,600 a year.

Gov. Hochul also addressed higher education, proposing free community college for New Yorkers aged 25-55 who are entering “high-demand” fields such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Her promises demonstrate a commitment to enacting changes that benefit families with young children and allowing them to reach their full potential as young adults. 

Go deeper:

New York will find a path to universal child care, Hochul says [Times Union]

2025 State of the State Book [NY.gov]

New York governor pursues free community college program for adult students [Higher Ed Dive]

“We spend a lot of time talking about North Dakota’s natural resources. But we must never forget that our most important resource is right now sitting at a desk in classrooms all across the state.”

Gov. Armstrong’s speech focused on the importance of career and technical education (CTE), supporting K-12 school choice, and the value of North Dakota’s higher education institutions.

Gov. Armstrong’s talking points on education focused on upcoming changes to higher education in North Dakota. He pledged legislative discussions that focus less on closing underperforming campuses and more on ensuring institutions can make workforce-specific improvements. He also called for a budget increase to Challenge Grants scholarships to $50M, driving $150M of investment in higher education over the next two years. 

Go deeper:

Tenure under fire—again—in North Dakota [Inside Higher Ed]

North Dakota governor unveils bold property tax plan in first State of the State address [ND Monitor]

Embracing technical education: University System looks to expand CTE footprint [Minot Daily News]

“As we return to a pre-pandemic fiscal environment, we must take steps to right-size government while preserving programs that improve educational outcomes, raise incomes, and make our residents healthier – three pillars in the Rhode Island 2030 plan.”

Gov. Daniel McKee’s address  highlighted the successes of Learn365RI – a statewide initiative which has reduced the state’s ELA and math gaps with Massachusetts by 34% and 18%, respectively — and reminded citizens that Rhode Island is committed to doing better.

Gov. McKee pointed out that education initiatives must extend beyond addressing achievement gaps and that the state must prioritize work-based learning opportunities; this week, he will submit a budget that allots $40 million towards LEAs and directly funds 1,000 work-based learning opportunities in the state. He also called for Real Jobs RI, a statewide workforce development initiative, to expand its services and train 500 more citizens. 

On the higher education side, Gov. McKee highlighted the importance of expanding higher education initiatives for Rhode Islanders. He detailed the expansion of the Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College, a state scholarship which has changed the lives of over 600 students. Gov. McKee demonstrated that in order to actually “improv[e] educational outcomes and raise incomes,” we must let citizens in on current initiatives, and given the expansion of these initiatives, the future looks bright. 

Relevant articles:

McKee Administration Announces Recipients of $3.8 Million in Learn365RI Grants [RIDE] 

Rhode Island 2030 [RI 2030]

‘Full of progress and promise’: McKee delivering State of the State. Here’s the highlights. [The Providence Journal]

“One of the very best ways that we can set our kids up for success is by giving them the best education possible. We raised the bar for the education that our kids will get in the classroom. We supported their teachers to attract and retain the very best. We provided additional opportunities for parents to help their kids succeed.”

Governor Kristi Noem’s State of the State address also served as her farewell address after being called upon by President-elect Trump to lead as the Secretary of Homeland Security. She celebrated South Dakota’s successes in implementing science of reading curriculum across the state, improving its teacher workforce, and investments in apprenticeship programs. 

The focus of Gov. Noem’s address as it relates to education was expanding options for families through school choice. She celebrated the Partners in Education Tax Credit, pledging the state’s dedication to implementing an Education Savings Account for South Dakota students in 2025.

Phonics-based ‘science of reading’ on track for South Dakota implementation [South Dakota Searchlight]

Teacher apprenticeship program to launch 2nd cohort this summer [News Center 1]

School choice groups split over Noem’s education savings account plan [South Dakota Searchlight]

“If we want to be on this road…where more people call Virginia home…then we can come around the table to lower the cost of living for all Virginians…we can raise the ceiling and the floor in education, foster safe communities, and protect our constitutional freedoms…we can empower people to not just choose life, but to choose to build their life – their future – here in Virginia.”

Gov. Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth presented an optimistic future for Virginians, highlighting increased investments in education for both teachers and students. The proposed budget for the coming year was the largest in the state’s history – “$20.2 billion dollars over the biennium.” 

With this expanded budget, Gov. Youngkin aims to reach all corners of the education space. On the higher education side, he proposes $50 million towards Virginia Opportunity Scholarships, funds that allow low-income students to attend higher education institutions.

“Expanding school choice, fostering talent, and building new opportunities require thoughtful resource management, and this is why we must approach our education budget with care.”

Gov. Gordon emphasized parent voice, school choice, and importance of coordination between education and the workforce. He celebrated Wyoming’s RIDE initiative for empowering soon-to-be graduates and the state’s Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) for ensuring higher education institutions are attuned to industry needs. He reiterated the value of the state’s portrait of a graduate in preparing students for a modern workforce. 

Governor Gordon has pledged to continue working to transition WIP from being state-funded to self-sustaining. 

He also thanked parents for their engagement with the school system, promising to continue expanding school choice and empowering parents.

Go deeper:

Wyoming Profile of a Graduate [WY Board of Education]

Internships, taxes, coding: Pilot education program aims to bring back life skills [WyoFile]

As education savings accounts roll out, school-choice advocates push again for expanded eligibility [WyoFile]